Gaza war leaves two couples separated across borders

Wall Street Turkish - International (English) · Oct 17, 2026 · 1m

Wijdan Abu Matar left Gaza in November 2023 with her eight children for medical treatment. Her husband, Hatem, remained behind and has a serious leg injury that limits his mobility. An Israeli strike near their home injured Wijdan and every member of her family; their daughter Nour suffered a fractured skull and bleeding in the brain, while five-year-old Amna suffered severe burns. The family was separated during treatment, and Wijdan eventually brought her children together in Egypt. She says she has become both mother and father to them and is exhausted by the responsibility. She has no…